NEW YORK, USA

At a high-level meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women convened by the UN General Assembly President, Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Beijing Platform for Action. H.E. Jessica Alupo highlighted the country’s progress in promoting gender equality and empowering women through legal, political, economic and educational measures.

Uganda’s 1995 Constitution and progressive laws, including the Land Act, Domestic Violence Act, FGM Act and Succession (Amendment) Act, provide a strong legal framework to protect women’s rights. Women hold 45% of Cabinet posts, 34% of parliamentary seats and 45.7% of local government positions, demonstrating political empowerment. Economic initiatives such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, Youth Livelihood Program and GROW project enhance access to capital, skills and markets, supported by infrastructure like markets and innovation hubs. In education, affirmative policies and “Second Chance” programs ensure girls and adolescent mothers complete school and pursue STEM fields.

Alupo acknowledged persistent challenges, including patriarchal norms, harmful practices, limited funding for gender-focused programs, gender-based violence and digital exclusion. She called for inclusive technology and innovation, urging stakeholders to ensure future development avoids replicating past inequalities and promotes justice, freedom from abuse and equal opportunities for all women.